MLB rumors: News on free-agent contracts, trades and more

The off-season hot stove is warming up with trade rumors and free agency decisions coming down the pipeline.

The rumor mill has picked back up after a brief lull when the passage of a new collective bargaining agreement was in question, but now that the new CBA is in place, free-agent dealings have commenced.

Keep up to date on the latest MLB news and rumors below.

• 40-year-old Tomo Ohka has signed a minor league deal with the Balitmore Orioles. He has spent the last few years trying to develop a knuckleball He made his major league debut for the Boston Red Sox in 1999 and last pitched in the majors in 2009. (Rich Kubatko, MASN)

• The Phillies have signed outfielder Odubel Herrera to a five-year contract through the 2021 season. (Team announcement)

• Relief pitcher Brad Ziegler may not be a free agent for much longer. He is "sifting through multiple offers and could decide soon." (Chris Cotillo, SB Nation)

• The Cubs and Tigers were discussing a trade for Justin Wilson but talks have stalled and both teams have moved on. (Bob Nightengale, USA Today)

• The Rangers plan on watching free agent outfielder Josh Hamilton work out after he was released from the team in late August. He will still be paid his 2017 salary by the Angels after he signed a five-year deal worth $125 million before 2013. Hamilton underwent two knee surgeries in 2016. He heads into the 2017 season at 35 years old. (Jeff Willson, Fort Worth-StarTelegram)